An illegal rave in Hampshire in a wooded area between Herriard and Lasham on Saturday, August 18 was disrupted by police, the Hampshire force reports. At around 11pm officers received information about the event, as well as a number of complaints from local residents.
More than 50 police officers from across the force area, were deployed to the site to disband those in attendance and disrupt more people travelling to the rave.
Officers used powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to prevent an escalation of the event andseize the generators, used to power sound equipment.
Chief Inspector Steve Wallace, said: “We received a number of complaints from members of the community regarding this event. There were around 200 people at the rave, with people still arriving at 3am from as far away as Lincoln. Our priorities were to minimise disruption to the residents and to ensure the safety of all those involved.
“Action can be taken against anyone involved in organising an unlicensed rave. Where entertainment is provided for the public, there must be a premises licence under the Licensing Act. Certain smaller scale events may be held under a temporary event notice.
“Because rave events cause nuisance, disruption and environmental damage, the penalties are severe. Anyone who carries out an unlicensed ‘rave’, or who allows such an activity, is liable to imprisonment for six months and fined up to £20,000. Police can also, in certain circumstances, seize vehicles and sound equipment and prevent partygoers gathering.”
